Way to soon to look that far ahead. Hopefully the U.S has 3 spots by then. Wagner if she stays on course is a lock for an Olympic spot, the others still wide open at this point, however IF the 2nd U.S lady at Worlds this year helps the U.S regain 3 spots, she will be a near lock for 1 of the remaining 2 spots if she doesnt fall apart next season IMHO, leaving one open for the others to fight for.

For Sochi, who is our besthope? Who'll be number 2 at Nationals. I think Mirai may be peaking again next year. It wont daunt her. Is she a possibility besides Grace?

I think it will be hard for Mirai. I was watching her 2010 programs last night and her body has changed so much since then that I don't think her build is as suited to doing the triples as it once was. In contrast Yuna and Mao have maintained similar builds in the last few years. I think we'll have 3 ladies in Sochi, my guess would be Ashley, Gracie, and someone currently off the radar like Angela.

I think with the downfall of Russia and Canada's lady lacking experience things are looking good for three spots.

Really? I think it'll be harder to get three spots this year than last year or the year prior, actually.

1. The first members of Russia's baby brigade are finally eligible for worlds. Leonova and Marakova were able to get three spots!!! With Sotnikova and Tuktamisheva, it should be at least equally easy for them.

2. Canada's lady definitely lacks experience. But a top ten spot is certainly within the realm of possibility.

3. Meanwhile, so many other skaters are fighting here. Korpi, Suzuki, Asada, Murakami, Kim, Kostner, Zijun Li, Mae Berenice Maete.... all have the ability to skate well enough to make it difficult for two ladies to earn that third spot. THAT stated, Wagner's best score along with Gao/Nagasu/Gold would be enough to get the third spot. But it would be a get, and would suggest that the two Americans skated at or above par.

4. I'd argue that the seismic shifts that took place in pairs means that it's the easiest discipline for any nation with two slots to earn a third one (four of the top 12 have either split up or been injured; five if you include Dube/Wolfe who've been question marks)